1966

1968

Jane Fonda performs a zero-gravity striptease in the opening sequence of campy sci-fi flick Barbarella; a few years down the road, women hoping to emulate her sexy space abs turn her into one of the most famous fitness-video icons of all time.

1982

Sean Penn's Jeff Spicoli might have had the best lines in the seminal '80s high school flick Fast Times at Ridgemont High, but Phoebe Cates took a starring role in the adolescent fantasies of millions as she exited the pool in her bikini as sexy coed Linda Barrett.

1983

In Return of the Jedi, Jabba the Hutt captures Leia and replaces her virgin-white robes with a midriff-baring metallic gold slave-girl outfit, marking her transition from innocent princess to sex object.

1992

With his Calvin Klein underwear campaign, Marky Mark (aka Mark Wahlberg) makes it OK—preferable, even!—for men to let tighty-whities peek out above their pants, and for grown women to stop and drool beneath billboards.

1999

After scoring the winning penalty kick against China in the Women's World Cup, Brandi Chastain causes a sensation by whipping off her shirt in celebration, exposing her sports bra and one killer set of athletically toned abs.

2001

Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her fashion-forward and frequently midriff-baring costumes on Sex and the City, rocked a near six-pack in her "gown" at the Screen Actors Guild awards, where she won best actress in a comedy series.

2003

Was it the reported strict diet? The alleged (but denied!) plastic surgery? The only thing we know for sure is that 40-year-old mother of three Demi Moore sported abs more fit for a teenager in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.